Can a Nonprofit CEO Benefit from a Mastermind Group?

So, what is a mastermind group and how does it work? It’s
very simple, a group of people meet regularly to work on challenges and
problems together. It can be a very
powerful tool in a CEO’s toolbox because it combines the talent, energy, and
brain power of like-minded individuals.

Mastermind
groups offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and
support to sharpen your business and personal skills. Group members challenge
each other to set powerful goals and hold each other accountable to accomplishing
them.

It might be helpful to understand what a mastermind group IS NOT.

It’s not a class. While the group may occasionally bring in guest speakers the focus is the brainstorming and accountability support among the group members.

It’s not group coaching. Mastermind group members share and help each other, the Facilitator isn’t coaching individuals in a group setting. You get everyone’s feedback, advice and support.

It’s not a networking group. While you may share leads and resources with each other, it is not the focus of the meetings.

Here are 4 reasons why a mastermind might be right for you:

You’re
not alone anymore. It’s been said that the job of a nonprofit CEO
is one of the loneliest jobs in the world.
Once you are involved in a
mastermind, you’ll no longer feel alone. The other members of the group become
advisors, mentors, and friends.

Expand
your network.
Mastermind groups bring together people who might not otherwise
meet. This opens opportunities for new
partnerships and collaborations, and we all know that’s what funders look for.

Learn.
It’s almost certain that someone in your mastermind will have a solution for
your challenges and you may also be able to offer a solution, connection or
tactic to help someone else in the group.

Think
bigger. As nonprofit CEO’s we can become very insulated and focused
on the little things. Your mastermind
peers will help you stretch and think bigger and better.

Mastermind groups aren’t for everyone. I believe that nonprofit CEO’s can most
definitely benefit from belonging to a mastermind group, provided they’re
willing and able to invest their time, share their talent and knowledge, and
make the financial investment.